Category: Taiwan

Lifestyle

Taiwan’s HIV Cases Rose 5% After Hitting a 22-Year Low — But the Bigger Warning May Be Who Still Doesn’t Know

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan health authorities have launched a two-week buy-one-get-one-free HIV self-testing campaign after newly reported infections among Taiwanese nationals increased during the first seven months of 2026, interrupting — at least for now — a years-long downward trend. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said 537 HIV infections were newly reported through the end of July, compared with 512 during the same period in 2025, an increase of about 5%. Around 80% of the cases involved

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Entertainment

Taiwanese Actress Tsai Yi-chen Apologises After Japan Temple Scandal — The National Treasure At The Center Of The Case Is Over 1,200 Years Old

Taiwanese actress and host Tsai Yi-chen, also known by her former stage name Wuxiong (Five Bear), has publicly apologised after being arrested in Japan over an incident involving a national treasure at the historic Yakushiji Temple in Nara. The 39-year-old said she had been released on the evening of Sept. 2 after completing the relevant investigative procedures in Japan. Japanese media reported that she was issued a 500,000-yen fine after being formally processed over the incident. She has sin

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China

Taiwan Tracks 10 Chinese Ships Around Island as Beijing’s Maritime Pressure Continues

TAIPEI — Taiwan has detected 10 Chinese vessels operating around the island, prompting Taipei to deploy surveillance and military assets as pressure from Beijing continues to build across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it tracked five Chinese naval vessels and five Chinese official ships between 6 a.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, naval vessels and coastal-based missile systems to monitor the

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Business

Taiwan Air Force Plans NT$3.57 Billion Upgrade of Key Underground Base as China Threat Grows

Taiwan is preparing a major upgrade of one of its most important hardened air facilities, with the Air Force planning to spend NT$3.57 billion (about US$112.5 million) from 2027 to 2031 to modernize systems at Chiashan Air Force Base in Hualien. The plan comes as Taiwan continues strengthening the survivability of its military forces against the possibility of missile and air attacks from China. The project was included in Taiwan's proposed 2027 defense budget submitted to the legislature. Ta

September 3, 2026

Hong Kong

Taiwan Groups Demand Joshua Wong’s Release After Guilty Plea in Hong Kong National Security Case

Taiwanese civic groups and Hong Kong activists in Taipei are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong after he pleaded guilty in a second national security case that could potentially send him to prison for life. Wong, 29, entered the guilty plea on Sept. 2 at Hong Kong’s High Court to a charge of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Prosecutors accused him of working with exiled former lawmaker Nathan Law and others to seek foreign

September 3, 2026

China

China–Taiwan Tensions Spill Into South Korea’s Art World as Gwangju Biennale Faces Boycott Threat

A diplomatic dispute over a two-word name — “Taiwan Pavilion” — has erupted into a major controversy at South Korea’s Gwangju Biennale, with China’s participation now hanging in the balance just days before the prestigious exhibition opens. The dispute began after organizers initially changed the name of Taiwan’s exhibition from “Taiwan Pavilion” to “NTMoFA Pavilion,” referring to Taiwan’s National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Taiwan’s Culture Ministry and participating artists objected, saying

September 3, 2026

Taipei

Taipei Firefighters Unveil 3-Second Rescue Mat That Could Transform Emergency Evacuations

TAIPEI — In a fire emergency, every second can mean the difference between reaching a trapped victim in time and arriving too late. Taipei City firefighters have developed a lightweight inflatable rescue mat designed to make the difficult job of moving injured or mobility-impaired people through dangerous, confined spaces faster and less physically demanding. The 2.8-kilogram rescue mat can be deployed and inflated in about three seconds, according to the Taipei City Fire Department, which rec

September 2, 2026

Business

Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry Targets NT$8 Trillion as AI Boom Drives Record Growth — But the Next Challenge Is Already Emerging

TAIPEI — Taiwan is setting its sights on another major semiconductor milestone, with the government pushing to lift the industry’s total output above NT$8 trillion (about US$251.8 billion) in 2026 as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing continue to reshape global chip demand. The ambitious target underscores Taiwan’s critical position at the heart of the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly as demand accelerates for advanced processors, high-bandwidth memory, advanc

September 2, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Signals a Bigger Defence Push as Lai Says Record Spending Is About Protecting Peace

Taiwan is sending a sharper message about its security strategy, with President Lai Ching-te saying the island's record defence spending is intended to demonstrate its determination to protect itself and preserve peace across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking on Sept. 2, 2026, during Taiwan's Armed Forces Day events, Lai said stronger military preparedness and deterrence are essential to national security and regional stability. The remarks come after Taiwan's government proposed a 2027 defence budg

September 2, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Calls for Peace in Taiwan Strait Ahead of UN General Assembly — While Challenging China’s Push to Isolate Taipei

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan is stepping up its diplomatic campaign ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while pressing for greater participation in the UN system. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday outlined three key messages it plans to emphasize as the 81st UN General Assembly approaches: preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait, defending Taiwan’s ability to participate in international organizations, and resolving dispu

September 2, 2026